Getting a Stop (Warriors 106, Clippers 99)

With 90 seconds to go and the Warriors hanging to a tenuous 4-point lead, Mark Jackson re-inserted Festus Ezeli to guard Blake Griffin. Mark Jackson just had one question for his rookie: “Can you get me a stop?” Ezeli’s reply: “Yes, sir.” Jackson later quipped that he would have put him in the game even without the “sir.” It didn’t take long for Ezeli to reward Jackson’s faith in him. Ezeli went chest to chest with the Clippers’ almost-unstoppable low-post threat, and Griffin threw up a point-blank look that clanked off the front of the rim. The Warriors surged off the stop and attacked the basket, securing what was ultimately the winning basket off a David Lee put-back. It was a defining moment in a quality 106-99 win. The Warriors matched big with big — and held their ground.

The Warriors’ wins and losses this season have a beautiful simplicity to them. Against teams with low-post scoring threats, the Warriors have struggled to defend the interior. Against teams willing to engage in a shootout, the Warriors have feasted. As the Warriors explore how to improve at the margin, one option is to figure out how to turn those low-post opponents into jump-shooting teams, content to run up and down the court with the Warriors launching from the perimeter. That transformation doesn’t require the Warriors to win the low-post match-up head-to-head — something that is going to be nearly impossible given the current Bogut-less roster. Instead, the Warriors just need to play enough low-post defense to increase the degree of difficulty in the paint, encouraging less-focused teams to settle for jumpers. Or, as Mark Jackson put it, they just need big men who will produce when asked “Can you get me a stop?”

Monday’s MLK Day win over the Clippers followed this plan to near perfection. After getting destroyed in the paint during the last match-up, the Clippers looked to feed Griffin early and often during the first quarter. He got his points, but the Warriors made sure that they were hard fought. Ezeli, then Biedrins, then Landry, then Lee all took turns — and burned fouls — on him. Every time down, Griffin had to fight for his position in the paint. As Jackson continued to throw fresh meat at him defensively, Griffin appeared to wear down and stop fighting for such deep position. And as Griffin started passing back out of the post more frequently, the rest of the Clippers started calling their own numbers for jump shots. Griffin’s point totals by quarter tell the story of how the Warriors’ defense won the war of attrition against the Clippers’ offensive attack — 9 points in the first, 8 points in the second, 5 points in the third, 4 points in the fourth.

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Instead of playing to their advantage, the low post, the Clippers played straight into the Warriors’ style of play. And no team in the NBA right now can beat the Warriors in a shootout. Jamal Crawford and Caron Butler may have done some damage from outside (combined 9-18 from three), but they were no match for Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson (combined 9-16 from three). And the rest of the Clippers’ roster combined to go 2-12 from behind the arc, while the remainder of the Warriors were much more selective and accurate (3-6). While the move to the perimeter marked a retreat for the Clippers, it allowed the Warriors to go on the offensive. Once the Warriors started connecting from behind the arc, it stretched the court. Playing Lee and Landry at the 4/5 tandem only dragged the Clippers further out from the key, allowing the Warriors to penetrate. Curry and Jack made the most of the spacing, finding high percentage looks for themselves and their teammates.

While the Warriors countered the Clippers’ last victory with a smart game-plan and solid execution, the Clippers made it easier through their own tactical mistakes. David Lee and Stephen Curry picked up their fourth fouls halfway through the third quarter, but the Clippers failed to go at either of them. Even after Lee picked up his fifth foul with nine minutes to go in the fourth quarter, LA seemed content to jump shoot rather than force Lee to be a defender. The lack of match-up awareness was unusual for a Chris Paul-led team. Mark Jackson took a risk leaving his two stars on the court in foul trouble, but the Clippers let him get away with it.

Ultimately, the Warriors won’t shoot 52% every night from the field and not every team with a legitimate low-post threat will abandon him so easily (see, e.g., the Memphis Grizzlies). But this victory shows the Warriors that there’s a third way for beating the big opponents that have given them so much trouble this season (and, not coincidentally, are likely playoff match-ups). That strategy doesn’t map neatly on simplistic “small ball” or “big and slow” strategies. It’s a hybrid, capable of rebounding and defending the post but also running and scoring in bunches from the perimeter. If the Warriors can consistently find that elusive balance between the two styles of play, they’re going to be an even tougher match-up than they already have become.

Mark Jackson went ten deep. All of them deserve a few words:

Stephen Curry — I’d put Monday night in the top three performances I’ve ever seen from Stephen Curry. He was absolutely unconscious shooting, but was also making the right decisions with the ball and minimizing defensive mistakes. When you factor in the competition — the NBA’s best point guard — the performance is all the more impressive. The stats and stunning plays (the pass to Jack on the break was particularly unreal) obscure some significant maturation on Curry’s part. He’s become a reliable option — rather than liability — in close fourth quarters. He’s getting into the paint more consistently than I can remember since before the ankle injuries. And, galloping celebrations aside, he’s showing some stoicism on the court. Even when confronted with adversity, it’s been awhile since we’ve seen the slumped-shoulder Curry — so common a sight the past two years. Winning cures a lot of ills, but Curry’s growth into a steady leader on this team is as much a cause as it is an effect.

Klay Thompson — Monday’s game wasn’t a radical departure for Thompson. He’s still living mostly on the perimeter and fades into the background for extended stretches of play. But there were little differences that, rolled together, made his contributions a net positive. First, he wasn’t forcing his shot. By playing within the flow of the offense and waiting for his teammates to find him when open, Thompson was significantly more efficient (6-13). Second, Thompson worked hard on defense for the entire night. He took extended turns on Chris Paul and deserves at least some of the credit for CP3’s ugly 1-7 night. Even when Thompson wasn’t getting touches on offense, he remained engaged on defense. Thompson’s offensive production may come and go, but if he can be a night-in/night-out defender, he’ll be an asset to this team.

Festus Ezeli — He only logged 14 minutes, but they were some heroic ones. Ezeli struggled early against Griffin and got a quick pull in the first quarter. For the next two hours, members of the Warriors repeatedly went up to him and coached him. Andrew Bogut spent an entire timeout in the first half pointing to spots in the post and showing Ezeli how to set up defensively. Mike Malone took numerous trips down the bench to explain certain plays and give encouragement. Mark Jackson gave his rookie the ultimate vote of confidence, returning to him late in the fourth quarter when the team needed half-court stops against Griffin. Ezeli delivered, denying Griffin the type of easy look he had earlier. As fans wrap their heads around how good this Warriors team can be, there are a bunch of variables. Bogut’s return, Curry’s health, and Barnes’ development are all major factors. But Ezeli’s improvement and consistency should be up there. If the Warriors can lean on the rookie for physical, high-quality defense in the post — even if he fouls out after 20 minutes of it — it’ll be a big boost against some of the team’s toughest opponents.

David Lee — From the opening warm-up line, it was clear Lee’s ankle was still hurting him. His 5-16 shooting reflects a general inability to get full lift off the ankle. Still, Lee battled through the injury and gave the Warriors some huge plays and a lot of hit-the-floor hustle. Lee’s passing also was a key component of the Warriors’ offensive outburst. When the Clippers spread the court, it gave Lee the room he needed to read the defense from the high post and find the open man. This game won’t help the David Lee all-star campaign, but his performance was a key component of the Warriors’ quality win.

Carl Landry — Forget the stats, Landry earned his paycheck Monday with his superb defense against Griffin. When Ezeli, Biedrins and Lee had all struggled to keep Griffin off the block, Landry drew the assignment of using his strength to hold off the Clippers’ star. Landry worked early, got low and did a tremendous job being physical without drawing unnecessary fouls. He was a stabilizing presence for the Warriors defense during a stretch in the fourth quarter when the game could have gone either way.

Jarrett Jack — These types of games (and fourth quarters, in particular) are becoming so routine from Jack, it’s easy to take them for granted. But against one of the NBA’s toughest competitors in CP3, Jack balanced running the Warriors offense with picking his own spots to score. When the Warriors started off the fourth quarter down by 7 points, Jack scored the first two baskets of the quarter, then fed Curry for the next two. In a blink, the Clippers’ lead was gone. He ended up with 10 points during the decisive quarter and played some role in just about everything good the Warriors did. Jackson went out of his way to praise his effort in post game comments — specifically comparing Jack’s under-the-radar reputation to all the sixth-man praise currently heaped upon Jamal Crawford. Jack may be the Warriors’ secret for the moment, but those days are dwindling thanks to performances like this one.

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Harrison Barnes — The Warriors continue to make a point of going to Barnes early in the game to see if they can get him involved. They did successfully on Monday, but Barnes still didn’t see many touches in the quarters to follow. That doesn’t mean the effort was wasted. When the ball did end up in Barnes’ hands, he was prepared and comfortable. His 4-4 line reflects a player not forcing the issue and stepping up when his team needs him. The real test will be on nights when Curry and Thompson don’t have it going from outside. Barnes has been nothing if not a good teammate this season, but there will be games where the Warriors need him to stand out rather than just blend in.

Draymond Green — I don’t know when and where Green found his jump shot (likely somewhere during the extra hours of reps he’s been putting in), but I’m sure glad he did. He not only went 3-4 from the field, but hit a smooth looking three. He seemed to enjoy it as much as the crowd, holding up his shooting hand and letting out a scream as he ran back up the court. His second quarter minutes were hyper-productive as part of a bizarro big line-up of Jack/Green/Jefferson/Landry/Biedrins that Jackson tried for awhile. Green’s versatility to guard the 2, 3 and 4 spots on any given night make him a valuable wild-card to mix into the rotation. If he can contribute at both ends, as he did Monday, he’s guaranteed regular minutes in Jackson’s rotation.

Richard Jefferson — There was no reverse slam, but Jefferson had another productive night. His recent resurgence has allowed Jackson to extend the rotation to another trusted veteran. Jefferson may not make big plays during his limited stretches, but he’s also highly unlikely to make big mistakes. As part of a bench unit that is often gifted with leads in the second quarter, his veteran savvy is an asset.

Andris Biedrins — Again, the stat line won’t show it, but Biedrins’ 15 minutes were productive ones at the defensive end. As his energy returns, he’s helped provide some shot blocking presence around the rim and changed shots on penetration. Again, the Warriors don’t need Biedrins to win match-ups against opposing centers. They just need him to limit the damage they can do. He played that role well on Monday.

Mark Jackson was asked post-game about whether this win gives the Warriors an extra kick of momentum heading into Wednesday’s match-up with the NBA’s best team. Jackson correctly noted that the Warriors never really lost momentum. The losses of the past two weeks have come against top-tier opponents and, hopefully, have taught the Warriors a thing or two about what they need to do to compete at that level. The Warriors team that beat the Clippers Monday looked supremely confident and comfortable in its style of play. Wednesday’s game against the Thunder will be both a challenge and an opportunity.

Oakland Warriors @ 93 – no to Josh Smith. I’d rather have Justin Smith or Aldon Smith. Justin Smith on Blake Griffin – now that’s a match up I’d pay to see.

Oakland Warriors

Post 98, 99

I am in no way suggesting to give up on Harrison Barnes….And I am suggesting playing Josh Smith at the SHOOTING Forward NOT the Power Forward spot.

I am just saying that Harrison Barnes is still developing. He would be be far more assertive and decisive if he was coming off the bench instead of starting, in my opinion.

We have plenty of outside shooters in Curry, Thompson, and Rush. The interior is solid with Lee and Bogut.

But we still don’t have a solid 3 position player with size, who can drive and create his own shot. I think Smith would excel on the Warriors.

RickP

Some thoughts about the rest of the season.

The one game without Lee showed something surprising. Even with Lee, Bogut and Rush out of uniform, the W’s can still score. I had formed the opinion that Curry’s game was particularly well meshed with Lee’s and that both of them might be more or less equally irreplaceable. (This, despite the fact that the +/- numbers strongly suggest that Lee was less replaceable). Now I think it’s about Curry/Lee or Curry/Jack. I think it has been important that Jack has been playing PG in crunch time.

I expected that Dr. Dray would find his shot. Barnes got a lot of attention for his good outside shooting in college, but Dr. Dray had about the same percentage on 3’s. If he could hit the college 3, why wouldn’t he be able to hit the NBA 2?

Another interesting stat on Dray is his standing vertical reach. Apparently, it’s quite long for his height. But, it seems to me that it’s the top of your hand, not the top of your head, that counts. That makes Dray effectively equivalent to a somewhat bigger man. I’m expecting him to improve over this season and next to the point where it’s hard to keep him off the floor. One thing I wonder about is what kind of shape he’s in. He looks like he could improve his bmi, but looks are sometimes deceiving.

Barnes looks very much like the player I read about last summer. He’s athletic and, now and then, he’ll take over a game. But, his aggression doesn’t seem as consistent as it should be and he does sometimes lose the ball off the dribble. I’m not sure what to make of his offense. He seems to be pretty solid on defense.

I still have seen absolutely nothing from Tyler that I find promising.

I know Jenkins has his fans, but I don’t see that either. I didn’t see the tank games, but I have been unimpressed with his performance this year, and the numbers support that notion.

Last point. I just read something about Bogut which mentioned, in passing, that there is a new rule to the effect that injured players can’t talk to the press. Why did they need that rule? Presumably, it’s to avoid being embarrassed when they lie. Can anybody think of an alternate plausible explanation?

And…let’s not forget the $$$ in a year with the demise of Jeff/Bieds. That’s when it will begin to happen, IMO, with a more friendly FA market.

Meanwhile a playoiff visit this year would be great as a point of departure toward better things to come.

Pbob20

Oh.. and Congratulatios!

Pbob20

arggg… Congratulations!!!

believewhat

Add to SJ Jim’s note for Jamal Crawford,

‘Jamal, you should be proud that in crunch time when you are on D, the ball always go to the guy you are guarding’.

believewhat

laz,

” Justin Smith on Blake Griffin – now that’s a match up I’d pay to see.”

lo. Yeah, let us sign him after the super bowl.

sartre

Some of the future outgoing salary will be used to pay Curry’s pay rise and the possible extensions of Jack and Landry (back-loaded).

Smith takes lots of shots (21.2 per 48 minutes) and scores inefficiently (47.5 TS%, well below the league average for a PF). I’m not personally a fan of that kind of player whether he plays PF or SF and wouldn’t want shots taken away from Lee and Curry.

RickP

Some numbers on Green’s combine measurements.

His body fat was 11.3%, which is higher than most of the other participants. So, there’s a chance he can get in better shape, if he hasn’t already, and maybe add a bit of quickness that I think he needs.

Green measured 6′ 5 3/4″ without shoes, but, perhaps surprisingly, his standing reach was the same as Ezeli’s. I couldn’t get a clear answer on how standing reach is measured. Apparently, it’s with shoes on, and Draymond was wearing unusually thick shoes that day, given the difference in height with vs without shoes. I couldn’t find the jump numbers for some reason. Also, I found an article suggesting that the standing reach numbers are unreliable. Ezeli has nearly 4″ more in wingspan. Anyway, what I found out made me rethink the material in the previous post about Dray being equivalent to a significantly taller player. I now doubt that. But, the body fat number looks reliable.

That starting unit is strong in all phases…Outside shooting, perimeter and interior defense, legitimate size at each position, creating off the dribble and driving to the basket, and skilled post play.

What opposing team would be able to dominate us inside or outside? Let the rookies develop for a year or two and come off the bench like they’re supposed to!

believewhat

gary

“Great numbers yesterday by KT and SC. But….. We truly live or die at the 3 point line. Would rather see SC up his assists and KT drive more to the hole.”

I know you are not complaining but I was thinking in the same line but more on Curry shooting lot of 3s and making them and if it is improving team or not. But here is the thing, Curry launches shots and he doesn’t just chuck. The way I see it, Jack is handling ball and the ball is going to Curry after 10+ seconds after Jack surveys and let other members touch the ball before getting the ball to Curry who then will shoot 3PT or drive and dish or split D and setup his teammates. Earlier years, we had seen Stephen Jackson and others chuck the shot so early in the clock without anyone else touching. In short, Curry assists numbers are down because ball first goes to Jarrett Jack and Curry calls his own number, taking a 3PT shot on an assist.

sartre

It wouldn’t make much sense seeing Curry launch fewer threes. He is one of the most efficient 3-point scorers in the game. As the article I linked too in #76 argues – the Dubs superior offensive production is generated by the spacing created by Curry being such a threat from downtown off the dribble. What value would there be in making him a pass-first PG? As it is, his assist percentage is not far removed from Jack’s.

Greg438

Ok, I’ll say it. Besides the great win — and the arrogance of the Clips, which in many ways is bizarre considering their history — there are two things that stand out for me long term.

Curry still has like 4-5 minutes a game where he just is not focused, mainly on the defensive end, and it doesn’t seem like fatigue as much as he just is not fully engaged mentally. He obviously can and has shot lights out, but to do well in the playoffs, he just has to fix this.

Second, the W’s have to play better D. That may sound crazy considering how much they have improved defensively over last season, but, generally speaking, be it the length and “routineness” of the season, they are not playing D with the same emphasis and energy over extended periods of time as they did earlier in the season.

I say both those things, because although I never would have thought it at the beginning of the season, with Bogut healthy and fixing those things, they can match up well and potentially beat any team in the NBA over the course of a 7 game series.

believewhat

sartre,

Yes, that is true. What I like about Curry is, he takes the shots in the flow or when he was assisted. Where Curry is improving is driving and setting up someone like Landry and Lee as defense had to defend him closer.

believewhat

greg@116,

Great observations, agree on both counts.

jsl

greg: It IS fatigue. The Kid does an incredible amount of running, on both O and D; did you notice him just run Bledsoe into the ground in Q4 yesterday — coming off infinite screens? He’d saved that.

Curry’s figured out Jax will give him little or no second half blow, so he has to pace himself — especially in Q3, where I think you’ll find the “problem” largely exists.

Give Curry six minutes rest in the second half, on a regular basis, and I think this issue will evaporate.

And Jax just might get it. After all, he’s played some Ezeli in Q4 of the last two games — both wins — and that cuts against his rote-tation. I know, it’s hard to keep Curry off the floor, but even the Suns learned they needed to do that with Nash to keep him strong for crunch time.

And, to borrow from Adam’s post after the NO game: Curry ‘played the hero role nicely.’

He did it again last night.

jsl

Col: A non-bball aside.

Do you know a sessions sax player from Berkeley named Lenny Pickett?

I fell in love with his playing almost 40 years ago, when he was the driving sax on the Stones’ “Exile on Main Street.” (Just listen to the second cut, or about any other, for that matter.)

Anyway, an eclectic sort, I was listening to Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night” and there’s a short sax riff in the middle (Kenny G “appears” to be playing it in the video, I’ve learned), and it had the same harsh, bluesy, blasting sound that I’d heard on Exile. . . . And it turned out to be Lenny Pickett.

Given your sax love, I thot you might have heard of him? Have you? Any story to share?

SJ Jim

I’m sure most music fans know about Lenny Pickett. He was in Tower Of Power for many years, and later joined the band on Saturday Night Live.

admoney

“Exile on Main Street” sax = Bobby Keys

No?

strummer

yes

al oha

I saw Lenny Pickett with Tower of Power back in the day. He was a tall white guy with long curly hair and would dance during one of his solos. His long legs would be flying all over the place.

Lenny could light up the crowd and his bandmates, much like Curry does.

@JSL
Sure I know of Pickett, currently the Musical director for SNL.
As others have noted, the sax player on Exile is Bobby Keys, and you can read all about him in Keith Richard’s autobio. The two bonded as sex fiend heroin addicts. In six degrees of separation land, a friend of mine plays sax in the Stones now as part of the horn section. I also have known several of the sax players who were placed Lenny Pickett in Tower of power.

It is cool and fun music to play. Not really jazz as such, but definitely a good time in a party context, and Lenny could work a room like no one else. If you want to check out a sax player who could do everything Lenny could and was also a SERIOUSLY BAD jazz player, check out Michael Brecker. Sax players around the world revere him as the baddest of the bad. Sadly, he died of cancer about five years ago. I was lucky enough to know him and hear him a lot.

Just had a quick look at the video, col. I immediately liked what I heard from the brothers and will revisit later. Aside: my wife and I loved Barcelona with its Gaudi masterpieces of design and architecture, the cobble-stoned streets of the medieval quarter, its marina and beach, restaurants, tapas and beer bars, the street market, and the art galleries (particularly the Miro Museum). The day trip to Montserrat (a place of literally soaring beauty) took my breath away and ranks as one of my most memorable travel destinations.

Re: Curry/Bogut/Rush–
Having them all @ 100% would be terrific but I’m not holding my breath. Not being negative, just realistically optimistic given the way things are going. Wondering if anyone else would welcome the possibility of 80%-75%-70% in that order or thereabouts?

RickP

Lenny, and some other guys who became TofP used to play on the street at Sproul Plaza. I remember them doing Caledonia (why are your big feet so flat) on the steps of the student union building.

My current favorite saxophonist is Robert Kyle, an LA guy who has a bunch of CD’s out. Check out his work on tenor.

RickP

It seems to me that Curry’s approach to the PG position is different than most. Jack is more traditional. But, Curry has a remarkable first step — usually laterally to his right, but even if you know it’s coming, it’s hard to stop. They have to double him and then you find out what a great passer he is. Some teams have been able to harrass him with the double team, though, which is why Jack has been so important to the team. Also why Jack often handles the ball when they’re both on the court.

I think Curry has been pretty much 100% this season prior to the last sprain and seems to have rapidly bounced back from it (only missed 2 games). I don’t see him carrying a chronic injury that impairs him anymore. Not saying he isn’t more prone to ankle tweaks and sprains when coming into contact with others (hence the brace) but he seems have regained his speed (particularly his first step) and agility this season despite minor setbacks. 80% Bogut this season would be fine but I also don’t see any reason why he can’t fully recover by next season. His body language has looked a lot more positive lately and let us hope that his ankle is truly ready to resume.

Zume

no. 96 admoney – enjoyed your past history and vision for tech and sports. I would listen to Adam and Chris but mostly the game. Or during timeouts and halftime we could have a Fastbreak Blog All Stars discussion with call it statments and questions.

Zume

To get in on this Game Time discussion you would have to win the America’s God Talent show for voice, color, sports commentary and analysis. Or if more democratic we all would vote on who wins a spot on the discussion panel for the year. Winner gets front row season tickets to the game and one year seat on panel.

Zume

got talent not God! oooops. belief fruidian slip

Zume

as I am in South Africa my posts start when most FB bloggers are sleeping, nighty night all

NCDub

sartre:

Good points & hope you’re right. With Rush this would make a very good high-performing trio in year #3 plus more seasoned rookies.

Year #4 would have included creative use of Bieds. & Jeff. $$ by Myers & West for re-signings, FA etc..

Carolina Dreamin’… In any case year #4 might be the next-level jump & high expectations. Warriors will have come a long way.

El Topo

Col,

Many thanks for that Brecker Bros. video…extremely enjoyable!

Zume

good picks for All-Star game mostly because it includes Curry and Lee. Aldridge and Harden out because their teams records at –

Ncdub, re Rush wait, since he tore both the ACL and MCL, they had to let the ACL heal before surgery to repair the MCL. Thus, the wait for Rush.

believewhat

What to expect when Bogut comes back. I think he will work himself slowly. It will be a month before he gets confidence in his legs. In the beginning, he will be 50% and will still be better than Ezeli and Biedrins much like he started season. I see improvements across with Bogut even at 50%. But if Bogut rounds up into shape by April, we would be the team nobody wants to play in 1st round.

willow

Bogut was already better than 50% when he shut it down after 4 games.

I don’t think he comes back until he’s at least 85% – 90% from a physical, ankle strength standpoint. Of course, he will still be rusty and not in game shape, but his performance will be a lot better than 50%.

Agree that if he rounds into shape by the end of the season, the Warriors will not be a desired first round opponent.

JanG

Forget the silly All-Star game. I would rather have Curry and DLee rest up for the second half of the season. Actually, I would rather see Curry and Klay in the 3-pt shooting contest where they couldn’t get hurt.

If we’re on personal accolades, then how about:

Jack for 6th Man award
Meyer for GM of the year
MJax for Coach of the Year
Bazemore for COTY (cheerleader of the year)
HBarnes for ROY (hey, there’s still time!)

believewhat

Today’s game is going to be high scoring one. Easy to predict that as OKC is #1 in PPG. Also, OKC would love play small and it will be interesting to see how dubs will try to match up with them. OKC do play good D also. I have observed that, in wins Warriors score around 100 against top defensive teams like they did against clips and heat. Clips, BTW, played very good D last game against dubs many times forcing dubs to take closed to end of 24 secs. Dubs countered clips D by being more patient and staying confident. They have to do the same against Clips but scoring 100 will not be enough, so may have to adjust to OKC’s pace a bit.

Nobody can stop Kevin Durant but hope Barnes+Jefferson will limit him to his splendid averages. They have to force Kevin Durant play D by being aggressive on offense. They have to do the same as they did against Lebron, i.e., let him score but minimize his impact else where. Looking forward Curry+Jack containing Westbrook. ESPN insider named Durant and Westbrook as #1 and #2 under 25 players with Curry at #10.

I yiyi yi

Col et all, Micheal Brecker was one of my faves I got to see him at Yoshis and in LA. You are right he was a very special player. As for Lenny yes he was in P of T “Down to the night club bump de bump de bump”. What fun trip down memory lane. I used to hang out at the Keystone Berkley and saw my East Bay Boys as much as possible …what a great band……Back to Oakland….move your booty

Beat OKC go Warriors

believewhat

JanG,

Myers(and Bazelmore) should get the award. I rout for MJax as COY( I warmed up to his coaching of late), but it is a long shot as Thibs might be better placed to get the award.

monsta

Curry has the reputation as a brilliant player, much more likely to be an All-Star.

Lee is seen as workmanlike — similar bias on Kevin Love, who didn’t get any love until The Streak and is now entrenched in people’s minds as one of the best.

and Westbrook seems to whine/flail on every drive like Parker and Paul

coltraning

@ Sartre

Jealous I am. My GF wants us to go to Barcelona. It is supposed to be stunning.

@ El Topo – really glad you like the video

@ I Yi, Yes indeed, MB ripped it up at Yoshi’s on numerous occasions.

Not familiar with Robert Kyle. Will check him out…

On the game at hand. OKC is a monster team. We have 3 scorers capable of dropping 20 any night. They have 3 capable of dropping 30 any night. That said, they are on the back end of a back to back towards the end of a long trip, and we actually match up well with them, since Perkins is not a big force other than making the Shaqtin a fool videos each week for his unintentional comedy. I’d say the chances are even of taking a win from them. You cannot stop Durant, end of discussion. But Westbrook can still be baited into one on one land, and if I recall correctly, after he utterly abused Curry in the first 1/2 last game, Curry got pissed and took it to him in the 2nd 1/2, a real turning point in his season. Also, they should try and abuse Kevin Martin ala Crawford on defense, since Martin plays none.

115-111 Ws final score

Otis

Tonight will be one of those games that determines whether this’ll be a special season, or just a good one. A close game and we’ll confirm what we’ve been doing. a win over these guys and..well..who knows?
I’m guessing we get blown out, just because Lee isn’t completely right, and Durant is Durant.
I’d love to be wrong.
By the way, who covers him. I’d love to see a combination of Barnes and Draymond. Let them run full blast, and sub them in and out for rests.

Otis

JanG,

What about Curry for Comeback player of the Year considering he sat half the year and the preseason with a supposedly career-altering injury?